Motor vehicle lighting assembly

ABSTRACT

A motor vehicle lighting assembly capable of functioning as one-half of the total forward lighting system for a motor vehicle. The assembly includes a common holder member designed for being aligned within the motor vehicle and a plurality (e.g., four or five) of replaceable, sealed lighting modules to provide the necessary illumination. Each module includes a plastic reflector, a low wattage tungsten halogen capsule, and a glass or plastic lens for providing a seal for the module. Each module is readily aligned within a respective compartment of the common holder member and is retained by at least one wireform.

CROSS REFERENCE TO COPENDING APPLICATIONS

In Ser. No. 598,604, now U.S. Pat. No. 4,545,001, entitled "Sealed LensMember For Use In A Motor Vehicle Lighting System" (Inventors: G. J.English et al.), there is defined a hollow, single piece lens member foruse in a motor vehicle lighting system containing a plurality ofindividual lighting modules.

In Ser. No. 598,613, now U.S. Pat. No. 4,569,002, entitled "MotorVehicle Lighting System" (Inventors: G. J. English et al.), there isdefined a motor vehicle lighting system wherein a plurality of modulesare used in combination with a common lens member designed to controlthe light from the modules.

In Ser. No. 598,614, entitled "Motor Vehicle Lighting System Including ASealed Lens Member As Part Thereof" (Inventors: R. E. Levin et al.),there is defined a motor vehicle lighting system including a lightsource and reflector means, a hollow, enclosed lens having a contouredfront surface with a rear lensing surface, and a means for mounting thelens in a recess of said vehicle to assure adequate passage of lightfrom the source through the lens.

In Ser. No. 598,605, now U.S. Pat. No. 285,351 and entitled"Lamp-Reflector Module For Use In A Motor Vehicle Headlighting System"(Inventors: G. J. English et al.), there is claimed the ornamentaldesign for a lamp-reflector module for use in a motor vehicle lightingsystem.

In Ser. No. 598,606, now U.S. Pat. No. Des. 284,112 and entitled "LensMember For A Motor Vehicle Headlighting System" (Inventors: G. J.English et al.), there is claimed the ornamental design for a motorvehicle headlight lens member having a plurality of stepped lensingsurfaces thereon and a slightly curved forward surface.

In Ser. No. 598,607, now U.S. Pat. No. Des. 283,362 and entitled "LensComponent For A Motor Vehicle Headlighting System" (Inventors: R. E.Levin et al.), there is claimed the ornamental design for a motorvehicle headlight lens having a sloped, clear front surface, a pair ofside walls, a bottom wall, and a stepped, rear lensing portion to inturn define a sealed, single piece component.

In Ser. No. 598,615, entitled "Lighting Module For Motor VehicleLighting System" (Inventors: G. J. English et al.), there is defined alighting module for use as a part of a vehicle headlighting systemwherein the module includes a reflector, a small tungsten halogencapsule sealed within the reflector, and a clear, front cover providinga seal for the module.

All of the above-identified applications were filed Apr. 10, 1984 andare assigned to the same assignee as the instant invention.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates in general to a new and improved lightingassembly for motor vehicles. More particularly, the present inventionrelates to a lighting assembly constructed to provide for improvedaerodynamic performance of the motor vehicle and for ease of replacementof the lighting modules employed therein.

BACKGROUND

Excluding those mentioned above, sealed beam lighting systems used inmotor vehicles, and in particular those for providing forwardillumination for automobiles, have generally not been designed withaerodynamic considerations in mind. As such, these lighting systems haveexhibited poor aerodynamic performance. The typical minimum height ofheadlamps found in such lighting systems is no less than about fourinches (some as high as seven inches), including systems having fourrectangular headlamps (two per side) as part thereof. Of equalimportance is the total area of the headlighting system when viewed fromthe front. In many existing systems, total vertical areas of aboutseventy to ninety square inches are common. Understandably, such largeareas contribute to poor aerodynamic performance of the respective motorvehicles. In this regard, the following table is a list of many existing(again excluding those mentioned above) multiple headlamp lightingsystems illustrating the approximate height and total frontal (vertical)area of each system listed.

                  TABLE                                                           ______________________________________                                                                          Approximate                                                          Approx.  Total System                                               Headlamp  Height   Area                                        System         Type      (Inches) (Sq. Inches)                                ______________________________________                                        Sealed Beam Headlamps                                                         2 Lamp, Round  2D        7        77                                          4 Lamp, Round     IC/2C   51/4    87                                          2 Lamp, Rectangular                                                                          2B         51/2    83                                          4 Lamp, Rectangular                                                                             1A/2A  4        96                                          2 Lamp, Rectangular                                                                          2E        4        48                                          ______________________________________                                    

In a system not referred to in the above Table, a lamp capsule elementis replaced in a fixed reflector-lens combination (i.e., through a rearopening in the reflector). However, with this system, there exists thepotential for a tolerance control problem, in particular between thepositional arrangement of the lamp's filament and the reflector. Withlighting systems such as the aforementioned replaceable system and thosementioned in the Table above, there is also the problem that when aheadlamp burns out, a major portion of the forward light pattern is lostdue to the inability of only the single headlamp remaining (in a twoheadlamp arrangement) to provide sufficient forward illumination. In afour headlamp system (two per side) a significant reduction in output onone side of the vehicle occurs. Still another problem in the abovesystems with separate headlamps being used for high and low beam is theinherent lack of flexibility, particularly in optimizing both high andlow beam patterns. In those systems in which two filaments are employedin a single lens-reflector combination, the lens element can typicallybe optimized for only one pattern. Switching to the second filamentresults in a compromised light distribution.

Lastly, and perhaps most significantly, headlamp systems of thereplaceable type and of the type described in the above Table typicallymandate relatively complex alignment procedures (which are usually onlycapable of being accomplished by a skilled technician) to both maintainthe headlamp in required alignment and to assure that a replacementtherefor is in turn also correctly oriented within the vehicle. Examplesof such procedures, and the various complex vehicle structures necessaryto achieve these, are shown in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,188,655, 4,471,413 and4,503,486. Understandably, the requirement for such apparatus adds tothe cost of the headlamp system as well as that of the vehicle utilizingsame.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

It is, therefore, a primary object of the present invention to provide anew and improved motor vehicle lighting assembly which obviates theaforementioned disadvantages associated with existing vehicle lightingsystems of the currently available replaceable type and of the typedescribed in the above Table.

It is another object of this invention to provide a motor vehiclelighting assembly which, when combined with another, similar assembly,will provide a total motor vehicle lighting system particularly adaptedto allow for a reduction in the total frontal vehicle area required tohouse said system, thereby facilitating a final vehicle design havingimproved aerodynamic performance.

Yet another object of the invention is to provide a new and improvedmotor vehicle lighting assembly wherein replacement of the individualmodules therein can be readily accomplished in a safe and facile manner,while enabling precise alignment of these modules to thereby assureoptimum light output from the assembled device.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an improved motorvehicle lighting assembly which is characterized by improved opticalperformance, particularly upon failure of one of the assembly's lightsources. In accordance with the instant invention, when a particularsource burns out (fails), a major portion of the forward light patternfrom one side of the vehicle will remain, assuring sufficient forwardillumination until replacement can be accomplished.

A further object of the present invention is to provide an improvedmotor vehicle lighting assembly which provides enhanced flexibility,particularly from an optical standpoint, by assuring optimal high andlow beam content.

In accordance with one aspect of the invention, there is provided amotor vehicle lighting assembly which may form part of an overalllighting system for use in a motor vehicle. The assembly comprises acommon holder member defining a plurality of compartments therein, theholder member adapted for being positioned within and secured to themotor vehicle, and a plurality of replaceable, sealed lighting moduleseach including a reflector, a lighting capsule sealed within thereflector in predetermined alignment with the reflecting surfacesthereof, and means for enclosing and sealing the module. Each of themodules are positioned within a respective one of the holder'scompartments. The invention further includes means for aligning each ofthe modules within the respective compartments relative to the commonholder member, and means for retaining each of the modules within thecompartments in the aligned orientation relative to the common holdermember.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a motor vehicle lighting assembly inaccordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view, on an enlarged scale, of a lighting modulefor use in the assembly of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a partial perspective view, on an enlarged scale, of themodule of FIG. 2, illustrating the preferred means of the invention foraligning the module relative to the invention's common holder member;

FIG. 4 is a partial perspective view, on an enlarged scale, illustratingthe preferred means for positioning the lighting capsule of theinvention within the invention's reflector and for providing externalconnection thereto;

FIG. 5 is a partial elevational view, in section, illustrating theposition of the invention's capsule relative to the internal reflectivesurfaces of the reflector;

FIGS. 6 and 7 represent preferred embodiments of means for retaining theinvention's lighting modules (only one shown) within the common holdermember of the invention, the holder only being partially shown forillustration purposes. FIG. 6 also illustrates a preferred example of aleveling means for use in the invention; and

FIG. 8 represents an alternate means of positioning one of theinvention's lighting modules within the common holder member.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

For a better understanding of the present invention, together with otherand further objects, advantages and capabilities thereof, reference ismade to the following disclosure and appended claims in connection withthe above-described drawings.

With particular attention to the drawings, in FIG. 1 there isillustrated a motor vehicle lighting assembly 10 in accordance with apreferred embodiment of the invention. In a preferred arrangement,assembly 10 is utilized in combination with a second, similar assemblyto constitute an overall vehicle lighting system. Accordingly, assembly10 is designed for being positioned on one side of the forward portionof a motor vehicle to work in cooperation with the other assemblypositioned on an opposite side of the vehicle to provide the requiredforward illumination. As will be understood from the description below,assembly 10 possesses a small overall height and occupies a relativelysmall frontal area, thus allowing the motor vehicle in which theinvention is utilized to possess a correspondingly reduced frontalsection. Improved aerodynamics can thus be realized. In addition, itwill be understood from the following description that the individuallight sources as used in assembly 10 can be of relatively simple designand easily replaceable while still assuring the necessary, criticalalignment. In addition, each module requires a minimum of storage spaceby the vehicle owner.

Assembly 10 includes a common holder member 11 which in turn defines aplurality of rectangular compartments 13 therein, each of which isdesigned to accommodate a respective one of the plurality ofreplaceable, sealed lighting modules 15 which constitute the individuallight sources of the invention. Common holder member 11, preferably ofplastic material (e.g., a polycarbonate), is adapted for beingpositioned within and secured to the motor vehicle (not shown) designedto accommodate the invention. Accordingly, holder member 11 is alignedrelative to the vehicle such that when the individual modules 15 arefully positioned therein, these modules are also aligned to provideoptimum forward illumination. Such alignment of holder member 11 ispossible using various means, including threaded adjusting rods,adjustable ball end socket means, etc. within the scope of those versedin the art. Such components typically form part of or are secured to thevehicle bodywork and function to align holder member 11 relativethereto. Further description of these components is thus not believednecessary.

In a preferred embodiment, holder member 11 is of linear configurationand possesses an overall height of only about two inches and acorresponding width of only ten inches, and is particularly adapted forbeing substantially horizontally positioned on the respective forwardportion of the vehicle using the invention. Accordingly, the variouscompartments 13 are arranged in a juxtaposed (side-by-side) pattern asdepicted in FIG. 1 with the top and bottom boundaries thereof determinedby the substantially parallel upper and lower, flat walls of holdermember 11. Even more preferably, these compartments are arranged so asto be slightly staggered, with each succeeding compartment being setback slightly from that immediately adjacent thereto. Accordingly, theoutermost compartment (that nearest the respective side of the vehicle)will be set the farthest back to thus accommodate for existing andanticipated frontal vehicle designs.

As stated, located within holder member 11 are a plurality ofreplaceable, sealed lighting modules 15 which are specifically designedto being easily removed therefrom. In comparing FIGS. 1 and 2, eachmodule 15 includes a reflector 17, a lighting capsule 19 sealed withinthe reflector in alignment with the reflecting surfaces 21 thereof, andmeans 23 for sealing and providing a closure for the module reflector 17to thus hermetically seal capsule 19 therein. Reflector 17 is preferablyof high temperature plastic with the interior reflecting surfaces 21being of substantially parabolic configuration. These surfaces are alsopreferably coated with a reflective coating (e.g., aluminum) to providefor enhanced reflectivity. Sealing means 23 is substantially planar andincludes a plurality of lensing elements 25 which function to directlight, both direct and reflected, passing through means 23 to define theultimate pattern desired. Means 23 is preferably of glass material(e.g., hardglass) but, alternatively, may be of plastic (e.g.,polycarbonate). Means 23 is sealed to the planar forward portion ofreflector 17 by a suitable adhesive, (e.g., epoxy) several of which areknown in the art.

The forward opening of reflector 17 is preferably rectangular, as shown,and, in one example, possessed a height of only about two inches and awidth of only about two and one-half inches.

As stated above, it is preferred that each sealing means 23 includeslensing elements such that each module 15 will in turn provide its ownlensing functions for the light emitted therefrom. As an alternativeembodiment, however, it is within the scope of the invention to providea clear (transparent) cover which does not include lensing elements orthe like as part thereof. Accordingly, a separate lensing member couldin turn be utilized in combination with module 15 to provide thenecessary lensing function. Still further, it is within the scope of theinvention to provide a singular, common lens member which can functionto provide lensing for all of the modules used in common holder member11. Such a lensing component could in turn substantially match the outercounter of the motor vehicle in which the invention is used withassembly 10 placed immediately therebehind. Accordingly, a spacing couldbe provided between such a common lens component and assembly 10.Examples of such common lens components suitable for this use areillustrated in the aforementioned U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,545,001 and4,569,002. Should a common lens or other lensing member as mentionedabove be utilized, it is possible to hermetically seal such a componentto the forward portion of holder member 11 so as to provide a sealedassembly wherein each of the invention's modules can also be sealedthereto when positioned in the holder. Additional sealing material (notshown) would be employed in such a case to effectively seal the frontpart of the module's reflector and/or the sealing means 23 to such anassembly.

Assembly 10 further includes means for aligning each of the modules 15within the described respective compartments 13 of common holder member11 such that each module is precisely aligned relative to the holder.This constitutes a significant feature of the invention as definedherein and is considered particularly important in order that assembly10 can provide optimum forward illumination as is essential in the motorvehicle field. In comparing FIGS. 2 and 3, a preferred embodiment ofsuch an aligning means is shown. Sealing means 23 has been omitted inFIG. 3 for purposes of clarity. As stated, holder member 11 is designedfor being directly or indirectly secured to and aligned with thebodywork (represented in phantom in FIG. 3 by the numeral 27) of therespective motor vehicle in which the invention is to be utilized. Assuch, the holder is oriented such that it can be pivotally moved (i.e.,about a common point 29) in a horizontal manner to allow for alignmentthereof. Accordingly, holder 11 can be so positioned on such bodywork oron an appropriate housing designed to accommodate the holder. Such ahousing would in turn be appropriately secured to the vehicle'sbodywork. Suitable means (e.g., threaded adjustment screws) can beutilized to provide the precise alignment required. To compensate forvehicle tilting or other misalignment, it is also possible to providesome form of vertical alignment (e.g., a bubble level) as a part of thecommon holder member itself. In FIG. 6, there is illustrated a preferredembodiment of such a leveling means. As shown therein, a bubble levelassembly 26 is secured to (or forms part of) a sidewall of common holdermember 11. Assembly 26 includes a fixed base component 26' which,because it is directly affixed to the holder's sidewall, provides asurface against which adjustments can be made. Pivotally mounted on basecomponent 26' is a bubble level 28 which is designed for beingincrementally adjusted with respect to the base (and thus holder 11).Once the levelness of the vehicle (and thus holder) is ascertained usinga similarly graduated device (i.e., an incremental gauge placedalongside the vehicle), level 28 is adjusted a similar amount using anadjustment screw 30. With the level now at an incrementally adjustedvalue equal to that of the vehicle, holder 11 can be adjusted back to alevel position (again using bubble level 28). The assembly should now beat the requisite level for proper operation.

Of significance, reflector 17 of module 15 is specifically designed toalign with corresponding surfaces within the respective compartment ofcommon holder 11. This is accomplished by providing the reflector withan external, projecting flange member 31 which is located about thereflector's forward opening and is of substantially planar (flat)configuration. Flange 31 includes a plurality of protruberances (oraiming pads) 33 positioned thereon in accordance with a predeterminedpattern, each of which is designed for being aligned with acorresponding boss 35 or the like formed within common holder 11. In apreferred embodiment, each protruberance 33 is of substantiallyrectangular configuration. Alternatively, each may be of annular shape.In addition, these members are arranged such that two protruberancesoccupy one of the outstanding sides of flange 31 with the other locatedon an opposite side thereof. These protruberances thus occupy asubstantially triangular pattern having two sides of substantially equallength.

In the embodiment of FIG. 3, each module is designed for beingpositioned within common holder 11 in a forward direction (toward thefront of the vehicle). Alternatively, it is possible to provide asimilar pattern of protruberances 33 on the reverse side of flange 31such that module 15 can be inserted within the respective compartment ofcommon holder 11 in a reverse direction (toward the rear of the motorvehicle). Two of such protruberances are depicted in FIG. 2 (but omittedin FIG. 3), which, as is understood, represents a universal form of theinvention which is capable of being both front- and rear-loaded. Anexample of a rear-loaded module 15 is depicted in FIG. 8 wherein thecommon holder member 11 is shown to include an alternative upstandingwall 37 which in turn includes therein the respective bosses 35 (onlytwo shown in FIG. 8) designed to engage the respective protruberances ofreflector 17.

In accordance with the teachings herein, it is not essential that eachof the protruberances 33 of reflector 17 be of uniform thickness. It isonly essential for the purposes of this invention that theseprotruberances occupy a common plane while the corresponding bosses 35of holder member 11 must also lie within a singular plane parallel tothat of protruberances 33. Each module can thus be photometrically aimedat the manufacturing facility with resect to a universal holdercomponent possessing similar dimensions to that used in the motorvehicle. The parallelism of the respective mounting surfaces are thusheld within close tolerances during such manufacture, particularly whenutilizing plastic for the respective holder and reflector components.This is primarily due to the ability to produce (e.g., injection mold)these components at such close tolerances or to accurately machine(after such molding) the respective protruberances and/or bosses tothese precise requirements. Subsequent aiming of the capsule within thevehicle holder by the vehicle operator is thus not necessary. Inaddition, replacement of a defective module can be easily accomplishedwhile still assuring the required precise alignment.

The main light source of each of the light-emitting modules 15 is a lowwattage tungsten halogen capsule which is integrally mounted inreflector 17. Each capsule includes a pair of lead-in wires 41 (FIG. 5)which project externally from a press-sealed end 43 of the capsule'shardglass (e.g., aluminosilicate) envelope 45. Each wire 41 is metallicand electrically conductive and passes through a rear wall 49 locatedwithin a neck portion 51 of reflector 17. This neck portion 51 projectsexternally from the rear of the reflector in the manner depicted in FIG.5. As stated, each capsule is sealed within the reflector. In apreferred embodiment, each of the lead-in wires passes through arespective aperture within rear wall 49. Thereafter, a sealing material(e.g., RTV cement or epoxy) is employed to hermetically seal the wiresin the plastic material of the reflector. Prior to such sealing,however, capsule 19 is aligned (focused) in a predetermined mannerrelative to the internal reflective surfaces 21. Such alignment involvesutilization of photometric apparatus known in the art with the lightcapsule being energized and thus emitting light through the forwardsealing means 23 which has already been sealed to the reflector. Whenthe optimum distribution is determined, final sealing of the lead-inwires in position occurs.

As indicated previously, the lighting capsule for use in each of theinvention's modules is of the low wattage type. By low wattage is meanta wattage within the range of only about ten to about twenty-five watts.The tungsten halogen capsule itself may be one known in the art.Typically, this comprises the aforementioned hardglass envelope havingthe described press sealed end with the lead-in wires (e.g., nickel ormolybdenum) projecting therefrom. Each capsule in turn includes a coiledfilament (e.g., tungsten) which is electrically connected to each of theprojecting lead-in wires. This filament is represented by the numeral 53in the drawings and preferably lies along the optical axis (OA--OA) ofthe reflector (FIG. 5). Axial mounting is preferred for at least tworeasons. First, this arrangement maximizes utilization of the reflectorregion near the horizontal plane (e.g., that region known to provideoptimum control of high intensity gradients). Second, the filament imagereflected from the envelope of the lamp capsule is directed back ontothe filament. Since this reflected filament image has a luminance ofapproximately ten percent of the filament itself, it can stronglycontribute to stray or uncontrolled light if not blocked by thefilament. The axial filament is a preferred form of construction toassure this and in one example a single coil (C8) filament was used withthe capsule producing approximately 18 watts during operation. Of addedsignificance, the lighting capsule as used in the instant invention ispositioned of sufficient depth within the neck portion 51 of reflector17 such that the press seal 43 of the capsule is recessed therein. Lightemitted from the capsule through the press seal end is non-uniform. Thatis, the light passing therethrough is variable and would scatter over arelatively large section of the reflector's internal surfaces to in turncontribute to glare. To prevent this, the press seal end of the capsuleis positioned at the depth illustrated in FIG. 5. Still further,possible light non-uniformity resulting from varying envelopethicknesses is substantially overcome by modification of the reflector'sinternal surfaces to compensate for such variations. Attention isdirected to copending application Ser. No. 826,526, entitled "MotorVehicle Headlight", filed Feb. 6, 1986, wherein the preferred techniquefor positioning the capsule relative to the reflector is described. Thiscopending application also defines a desired filament configuration foruse in a lighting capsule of the type taught herein.

Located within opposing sides of the projecting, cylindrical shaped neckportion of reflector 17 are a pair of electrical contact means 63 (FIG.4) which, in preferred form, are a pair of cylindrical posts embeddedwithin or forming an extension of the neck portion's plastic material.Each post (which alternatively may be a metallic pin) is adapted forhaving the terminal end segments of a respective lead-in wire 41 wrappedthereabout. Each of the invention's lead-in wires are wrapped about therespective posts subsequent to the final positioning of the capsulewithin reflector 17. Accordingly, such an operation will have no adverseeffect on the desired positioning of the invention's capsule. Onewrapped post 63 is shown in FIG. 2.

Each module includes a connector means 65 designed for being slidablypositioned over the extending neck portion 51 of reflector 17. As shownin FIG. 2, the connector means 65 is preferably of hollow, substantiallycylindrical configuration and includes a pair of opposed slots 67therein each of which is designed to accommodate a respective one of theprojecting contact posts 63. Each connector means in turn includestherein a pair of contacts 71 (illustrated in phantom in FIG. 2) whichin turn each engage and are thus electrically connected to the wrappedwiring about a respective contact post 63 when the cylindrical connector65 is fully positioned on reflector 17 (i.e., FIG. 1). Each contact isin turn aligned within or adjacent one of the slots 67 to facilitatesuch contact. In other words, connector means 65 functions as a femalesocket member designed to accommodate the male neck portion of theinvention's reflector. Connector means 65, like reflector 17, ispreferably plastic (e.g., polycarbonate). Electrically coupled to eachof the contacts 71 is an electrical wire 73 which in turn iselectrically connected to a common electrical connector 79 which issecured to or forms part of common holder 11. As shown in FIG. 1, thiscommon connector is substantially centrally disposed on holder member 11at the rear thereof and is thus ideally suited for being connected to asuitable connector (not shown) of the plug variety which in turn formspart of the motor vehicle's electrical system. Ideally, common connector79 possesses a total of three male prongs 81.

To retain each of the described connector means 65 in position on therespective reflector, the rear portion of each reflector includes a pairof spaced apart arm members 85 which form part of or are secured to therear of the reflector and project substantially parallel to theextending cylindrical neck portion 51 on opposite sides thereof. Onlyone of these arm members 85 is shown in FIG. 2, but it clearly seen inFIGS. 1, 7 and 8 that two are used with both extending parallel alongopposite sides (top and bottom) of the cylindrical neck. Each arm member85 includes a hooked end portion 87 (FIG. 2) which is designed foraligning with and positively engaging a designated external surface ofconnector means 65 as located within a slot formed therein. Each armmember is thus capable of expanding outwardly during initial positioningof connector means 65 but thereafter returns to grasp the connectormeans and lock it in place. Arm members 85 are omitted in FIGS. 4 and 5for purposes of clarity.

In FIGS. 6 and 7, there are illustrated two embodiments for retainingthe invention's modules 15 within the respective compartment 13 ofcommon holder 11. For illustration purposes, only one compartment 13 inmodule 15 is shown in FIGS. 6 and 7. In FIG. 6, the retention meanscomprises a pair of opposed wireform members 91 which are both ofsubstantially similar configuration and which include a first endsegment 93 designed to positively engage a projecting flange 96 orsimilar portion of neck portion 51 and an opposed, end segment 95designed for being securedly positioned (inserted) within an upper wall97 of the common holder. These retention means are omitted in theperspective view of FIG. 1 for purposes of clarity. The curvilinear mainbody segment 98 of each wireform engages the first end segment 93 toassist in retention thereof against the reflector. Each wireform is ofrelatively simple construction and thus be readily manipulated by anindividual with only a minimum of mechanical skills. Removal of module15 is accomplished by this individual merely exerting a minimum ofdownward pressure on the curvilinear body portion 98 to effectseparation of the second end segments 95 from the common holder. Eachwireform may then be pivoted backwardly until full disengagement fromreflector 17 is achieved. As understood, the function of each wireformis to force the respective module 15 against the corresponding internalsurfaces of the common holder member (FIG. 3).

In the embodiment of FIG. 7, a singular wireform 91' is utilized, thiswireform having a main body segment 98' which is pivotally oriented on abottom wall of the common holder 11. A pair of curvilinear end segmentsextend from the common body member and engage a respective internalsurface of the reflector 17 on opposing sides thereof to force itagainst the respective internal surfaces of the common holder 11. Eachcurvilinear end segment is in turn locked in position within a slotformed within a respective projection 99 formed as part of or secured toone of the two upstanding walls of the common holder. Removal is easilyaccomplished by simply moving each end segment forward until totaldisengagement occurs from the common holder and thereafter pivotallymoving the singular wireform in a direction backwardly (to the rear)from the common holder member's forward opening. Module replacement canthen be facilely achieved. As stated, each wireform is of metallicmaterial and may be produced from any metal (e.g., steel) capable ofbeing readily formed and providing the necessary resilience requiredherein.

In summary, there has been defined a forward illumination (headlighting)assembly for use in a motor vehicle in combination with another, similarassembly that is, remarkably, only about two inches high and has anoverall width of only about ten inches. The assembly as defined includesa plurality (e.g., four) of individual lamp-reflector modules whichfunction as the light sources for the invention. Each module isconstructed as an integral, hermetically sealed unit which can befacilely positioned within and removed from the assembly's common holderin such a manner so as to be accurately aligned therewith. Accordingly,the invention as defined herein possesses several advantages overexisting replaceable systems and the sealed beam headlighting systemssuch as listed in the above Table. For example, use of multiple sourcesprovides some desired redundancy in that more than one section of theassembly provides illumination to the same region of space forward ofthe vehicle with nearly identical light distribution. Thus, should oneof the four modules fail (burn out), a major part of the forward lightpattern is not lost. In addition, it is known that only certain parts ofthe reflector as used in most headlights provide beam elements suitablefor developing the high intensity gradients required for the sharpcut-off of the low beam pattern near the horizontal plane through thevehicle's light source. A greater percentage of the net reflector areafor developing high intensities near the horizontal with minimum glarein the upper left quadrant (toward oncoming drivers) is possible in theinstant invention through the utilization of several, but more numerousreflector elements. Finally, an increase in the number of individuallighting modules increases the flexibility of optimizing both the highand low beams. This is possible by switching (activating) selectedmodules for either high or low beam while leaving other modulesenergized for both patterns. In one example, the pair of modules locatedwithin the outermost two compartments of the invention's common holdermember serve to provide one-half of the low beam function, while anotherpair of modules provide one-half of the total high beam function. Thus,an oncoming driver would face a total of four individual modules at lowbeam and a total of four lighted modules at high beam in a systemutilizing two of the assemblies as defined herein. As yet anotherembodiment, it is also possible to use a total of five modules perassembly, with a specified number thereof (e.g., two) providing the lowbeam function and the remaining number (e.g., three) providing the highbeam function.

While there have been shown and described what are at present consideredthe preferred embodiments of the invention, it will be obvious skilledin the art that various changes and modifications may be made thereinwithout departing from the scope of the invention as defined by theappended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A motor vehicle lighting assembly for providingforward illumination for said motor vehicle, said lighting assemblycomprising:a common holder member defining a plurality of individual,separate compartments therein, said holder member adapted for beingpositioned within and secured to said motor vehicle and for beingoriented in predetermined alignment therewith; a plurality ofreplaceable, sealed lighting modules each including a singularreflector, a lighting capsule sealed within said singular reflector inpredetermined alignment with the reflecting surfaces thereof, and meansfor enclosing and sealing said module, each of said modules beingpositioned within a respective one of said individual compartmentswithin said common holder member; means for aligning each of saidmodules within said respective one of said singular compartmentsrelative to said common holder member; and means for retaining each ofsaid modules within said individual compartments in said alignedorientation relative to said common holder.
 2. The lighting assemblyaccording to claim 1 wherein said common holder member is ofsubstantially linear configuration, each of said compartments beingoriented therein in a side-by-side relationship.
 3. The lighting asemblyaccording to claim 2 wherein the overall height of said common holdermember is about two inches or less.
 4. The lighting assembly accordingto claim 1 further including a plurality of connector means each forelectrically connecting a respective one of said lighting modules to theelectrical system of said motor vehicle.
 5. The lighting assemblyaccording to claim 4 wherein each of said lighting modules includeselectrical contact means located externally of the neck portion of saidreflector and electrically connected to said lighting capsule, each ofsaid connector means comprising a socket member removably positioned onsaid neck portion of said reflector and electrically coupled to saidexternal contact means.
 6. The lighting assembly according to claim 4further including a common electrical connector secured to or formingpart of said common holder member, each of said connector means beingelectrically coupled to said common electrical connector.
 7. Thelighting assembly according to claim 5 further including a plurality ofretention means each for retaining a respective one of said connectormeans on said neck portion of said reflector.
 8. The lighting assemblyaccording to claim 7 wherein each of said retention means comprises atleast one arm member projecting from said reflector for engaging asurface of said socket member in a locking manner.
 9. The lightingassembly according to claim 8 wherein said socket member includes atleast one slot therein, said arm member extending within said slot toengage said surface of said socket member.
 10. The lighting assemblyaccording to claim 1 wherein the number of lighting modules is at leastfour.
 11. The lighting assembly according to claim 1 wherein said meansfor aligning each of said modules within said individual, separatecompartments of said common holder member comprises a plurality ofprotruberances spacedly located on said reflector of said module in apredetermined pattern, each of said protruberances occupying a plane andadapted for aligning with and engaging corresponding bosses within eachof said compartments of said common holder member, said correspondingbosses within said common holder member also occupying a plane.
 12. Thelighting assembly according to claim 11 wherein said reflector includesa projecting flange member, said protruberances being located on saidflange member in said predetermined pattern.
 13. The lighting assemblyaccording to claim 12 wherein the number of protruberances is three, twoof said protruberances spacedly located on one side of said flangemember and the other of said protruberances located on a side of saidflange opposite said side having said two protruberances thereon. 14.The lighting assembly according to claim 1 wherein said means forretaining each of said modules in said aligned orientation comprises atleast one wireform member for engaging an external surface of saidreflector of a respective one of said modules to force said moduleagainst a surface of said common holder member.
 15. The lightingassembly according to claim 14 wherein said wireform is pivotallyoriented on said common holder member.
 16. The lighting assemblyaccording to claim 14 wherein the number of said wireforms is two, eachof said wireforms having a first end portion for engaging said externalsurface of said reflector and a second end portion for securedlyengaging said common holder member.
 17. The lighting assembly accordingto claim 1 wherein said lighting capsule in each of said lightingmodules is a low wattage tungsten halogen capsule having a glassenvelope and a pair of conductive lead-in wires projecting from saidenvelope.
 18. The lighting assembly according to claim 17 wherein eachof said conductive lead-in wires pass through and are sealed within awall of said reflector.
 19. The lighting assembly according to claim 18wherein each of said lighting modules includes electrical contact meanslocated externally of the neck portion of said reflector, said lead-inwires of said lighting capsule electrically connected to said contactmeans.
 20. The lighting assembly according to claim 1 further includingmeans for determining the levelness of said common holder member, saidmeans including a base component secured to or forming part of a wall ofsaid common holder member and a bubble level positioned on said basecomponent and adjustable with respect thereto.